Sunday, September 2, 2012

Lansdowne building row: Daily laborers have been badly affected

There was a turnover of up to Rs 15 lakh per day at Lansdowne building

The roof collapse of a shop at the 120-year-old Lansdowne building, has pushed around 600 people, especial daily laborers into a turmoil. Their future is uncertain as they are not aware of when the shops will open. About 40-50 advocates, Notary, Books shops and newspapers sellers are also affected, as the place has been declared as prohibited area, closing down hundreds of shops.

The building has provided job for many graduates. Specially, the typist, DTP operators who are well educated, fed up with searching job, had obtained shelter here. Majority of the people who were working as typist, DTP operators, xerox machine operators, photo laminators are now suffering hard for their livelihood.

The tenants are now in a fear that if the government takes decision to reconstruct the building, it takes four-five years to construct and till then what their future. They are requesting government to repair the building or else to provide them alternative place and help them to earn their bread.

The Lansdowne building was familiar for lamination, xerox, DTP, making of rubber stamps, book binding, and there was a turnover of up to Rs 15 lakh Per day. Typist used to pay a rent from Rs 120-150 per day for owners for providing space for them to sit in the shop, but DTP operators used to pay 60 per cent in what they earn to the owners, as the computers were installed by owners.

People used to buzz here always to get their documents type like complaints letter to Police, Corporation and other civic bodies along with affidavit and resale documents, rented agreements, xerox, lamination. While, students used to find the rare books at the book house.

Typist Suma says, “from past 15 years I am working here and am the sole bread earner in my family. My husband is physically handicapped and is jobless. Son is studying in first PUC. From last four days without work I am struggling hard to lead life, more over this is month end. I am eagerly waiting what the decision will be taken by officials.”

Mysore Pathrike, which was running in the building since 1933, is also severely affected by the close of the shops. News Editor Mohan says, “the works have been held up and we working from home and getting printed paper outside.”

“Our business depends on the customer. Some time we get handsome of money upto Rs 400-500, but some time not even a Rs 100. The sudden close of shops has made us numb,” says Usha, another typist.